So sorry. Just learned about it. Met Sonny at CAAS many years ago. Terrific gentleman. Humble, friendly, did what he could to help others. Looking forward to a future reunion.

I remember my dad, Herby Wallace playing with Sonny way back in the late 60’s and early 70’s in Nashville as a young kid, maybe 5 years old. I remember my Dad and Sonny playing together on recording sessions in Nashville and when they both played with Leroy Van Dyke in Las Vegas in 1970. Very fond memories. Sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. I will always remember the friendship he had with my father. 
Deanna (Wallace) Rose

I was adopted by my dad Jason and I came over sometimes. He was always the nicest to me when I came over. I was told yesterday that you passed and I am angry I didn’t get to come say goodbye. I love you Sunny. I wish you were still here. 

Sonny was my guitar picking hero. He not only taught me music  but he taught me  a lot about life as well. He always had a smile on his face and we would spend countless hours together five days a week for several years with  him teaching me guitar. and sharing wonderful stories mostly about our family. We also spent a lot of the time together working up songs which went on our cd Triple Play. Sonny put all the songs and arrangements together on the cd as well. Myself and Richard York was not only honored to be on a musical project with Sonny but it was a dream come true for both of us just to be able to pick with him period. He will truly be missed by many.  I love you Sonny and I’ll see you on the other side...

Hey Dawn and family.
This is Danny.

We are very sorry for your loss. Sonny was a great uncle and we all enjoyed the times we were around him at the guitar shop in Jasper.

God Bless you all and we will be praying for you.

With all our love.

Danny, Montie and family.


I had a band in high school called the Electras  and we were always looking for jobs to play. Then it seemed like all at once our calls to play picked up I found out that they really  wanted the Viva Tones band but because they were too busy they had to settle for us ha ha. I told Sonny about it later when I got to meet him over at the Stagecoach then I didn’t see him for quite a few years and got re-introduced to him in 1991 at the CAAS Convention. Hewas a guitar players guitar player. 

Sonny was a wonderful musician and expert craftsman we were all proud of him and his continuous smile! The ist job he Played with the VIVA TONES was at Tulane University in New Orleans. he played Bass for a period of time with our group even though he was a fantastic guitar player as a young  boy who was taught  by his father , "Lum"  known to be the very best, Champion , Fiddle player in Sequatchie  Valley! Dr, Johnny Herbert Harris (deceased) and Vanderbilt  graduate took me and a couple Members of  the Viva  Tones to Sonny's home in Jasper to meet him, his father, and brother James, and I'll never forget the sounds and wonderful music they played for us from the porch at his home! I Loved Sonny and will definitely miss him! Prayers for the family during this most difficult time! Johnny Holden, Cleveland, Tennessee

Condolences to Sonny's family, friends & musicians who knew & respected his great talents.  We were so sorry to hear about your unexpected loss & we are still in shock.  Sonny and Paul were the best of friends and shared many good times, thoughts, ideas, interests & stories.  Our thoughts &  prayers will be with you.

Marie, Micah & Sheri Yandell

So very sorry to read this on Sonny.  We first met around 1960 when Jimmy Harris introduced us.  What a super person and so very talented.
Our thoughts prayers and condolences to his family and friends..

Roger stuckless and I met one another at the same time that we met sonny, WOW. 1992 convention was a musical beginning for Roger and me because Sonny could play any Chet or Travis tune we could name, on top of that would explain why it was played in that key.  He was always the life of the party , we always dreaded Sunday morning because we knew we couldn’t see him til next year. But we put the old guilt trip pressure on him until he started coming to see us yearly and Roger also in Ontario. I’ve never had a friend like him and will never forget how unselfish he was with his God given talent, thank you Sonny, Jim and Dora Wimberly .

I can’t believe it’s been 53 years since I stepped on stage with you and we instantly became friends . I am devastated and lost for words. You are and will always be a true friend and the best damn  set up man EVER. Will miss you dearly brother and my condolences to the family. May God be with you.....Herby 

Same bubbly smile that I remember from the sixties when we were on the road with LeRoy Van Dyke.  Thought about him a few days ago.  Although I do not know the family, I know that you have lost someone who left a lasting pleasant impression with everyone he met.  Sorry for your lost.  Larry Hubbell

I met Sonny at CAAS many years ago. He refretted my original ‘59 Gretsch 6120 perfectly. He also reset the neck and cleaned my ‘57 Sivertone archtop guitar . Wonderful friend and guitarist! Go Rest High Sonny.

Sonny set up many guitars for me, & he was excellent at making them play the way I liked them.  He also shared many tips about playing guitar, & recommended books & websites.  His attitude was just great!  I’ll miss him!

I met Sonny at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society convention in 1986.

Over the years my guitar picking buddy Phil Hunt and I would visit Sonny in his room at the Sheraton many times at the CAAS conventions over the years.
He was the nicest person and always had a great collection of jokes to tell. He kept us laughing and amazed us with his guitar playing.

You are all in our prayers. 
I’ll miss you Sonny!

Eddie Estes 

Sonny was my musical mentor and best friend.  I feel so blessed to have spent countless hours playing guitar and learning from the master.  I am grateful for 28 years of memories that I will cherish. 
 Life will not be the same without him.
See you on the other side,
Love Roger and family

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Sonny Thomas

8 août 1943 – 7 mars 2020

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

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